Look to the Summer — Not Today, or Tomorrow

During the past weeks, I spoke with several people in Italy and heard deep anxiety and fear in their voices. It is understandable. This invisible evil enemy delivered vast death and destruction all around them.

And media there and here, are compounding this situation, not helping it.

They all asked, what will happen to us? I understood their real question, as what was happening there — was now happing here.

I told them what I know. We will survive and rebuild our lives, our careers and our businesses. I said, look to the summer, not to today or tomorrow.

You must think about that in order to survive.

Now in America, we hear many voices of blame and bickering over nonsense, not substance. And, if it does not stop, American’s concern will shift to broader fear, just like in Italy. If Democratic governors in New York and California can work well with the White House right now, so can others in Washington who are currently just pointing fingers or suggesting fixes that have nothing to do with this emergency. Perhaps, they should just get out of the way.

Look to the summer, not to today or tomorrow.

In their darkest hour, during the London bombings, Winston Churchill rallied a nation by saying, "We shall never surrender." And, during that crisis — as well as months before through the Dunkirk evaluation — Churchill had to fight people in his inner circle, as well as charges that his administration had no leadership and little ability to accomplished anything but retreats.

Churchill reminds us of the need to soldier on. "If you’re going through hell," he said, "keep going." Italy is in hell right now; and hell is coming our way.

It will get worse before it gets better. So, keep Churchill’s spirit and his words in our minds …….and look to summer, not to today or tomorrow.

I encouraged my Italian pals to keep busy checking on friends and family, reading, studying, learning a new skill from the Internet, practicing English, cooking or just cleaning closets. I asked, how many projects can be completed now preparing for summer?

Our favorite season is days away. We should think about that. Work towards that. Look to summer, not to today or tomorrow.

I reminisced of summers past: beaches and bikini’s; BBQs and boating; berries, ice cream and Italian ices; fields of flowers, thunderstorms and lighting; poolside, water parks, lakes, seas and sailing; aroma of lotion, tanning and beach chairs; offbeat hats, sandals and flip flops: shorts and sun dresses: sandcastles and outdoor showers; vacations with boundless scenery; and sightseeing again, yes again.

I told my Italian friends these annual celebrations and festivities will create new summer memories. Look to the summer, not to today or tomorrow.

We laughed and smiled, at least for a while. I could see them on WhatsApp, Skype and hear their momentary enjoyment on the phone.

Keep these words top of mind . . . 

For all of us, look to the summer, not to today or tomorrow.

Richard Torrenzano, chief executive, The Torrenzano Group, reputation and high-stakes issues management firm and sought-after commentator on financial markets, crisis, brands, reputation and social media. He co-authored Digital Assassination: Protecting Your Reputation, Brand, or Business Against Online Attacks, St. Martin’s Press.